Introduction
In this post, I’ll show you the way to enjoy Sakura in Kyoto: When and where to see, kinds of Sakura the reason we love them, and top 5 places. 合掌
When can we enjoy Sakura?
Schedule
- Kawazu Zakura・・・Start blooming: late January or early February Full bloom: Mid-March
- Somei Yoshino・・・ Start blooming: Mid to late-March Full bloom: Late March to early April
- Shidare Zakura Zakura・・・ Start blooming: Mid to late-March Full bloom: Late March to mid-April
- Ohsima Zakura and Yamazakura・・・ Start blooming: Mid to late-March Full bloom: Late March to mid-April
- Omuro Zakura・・・ Start blooming: Early to Mid-April Full bloom: Mid to Late April
- Kitano Zakura ・・・Start blooming: Early to Mid-April Full bloom: Mid to Late April
- Other late-bloom Sakura・・・Start blooming: Early to Mid-April Full bloom: Mid to Late April
There are many kinds of Sakura. Actually, flowers called Sakura blooms all through the year except summer. In this post. I’ll show you the ones we find in spring.
Kawzu Zakura 河津桜
Kawazu Zakura is the earliest bloom Sakura in Kyoto.
Somei Yoshino 染井吉野
Somei Yoshino is so-called Sakura. When we say Sakura, we means Somei Yoshino, .
Shidare Zakura 枝垂桜
Shidare Zakura is also known as “Weeping Sakura/ Cherry blossom.” We called it “Shidare” especially in casual way, There are many kinds of Shidare and they start blooming from mid-March to mid-April. We can enjoy them all through Sakura season.
Yama Zakura 山桜
Yama Zakura is Sakura with red leaves. You’ll find it with Mt. Fuji on the tail of 1,000 yen bill.
Not the one with two cranes. If you have the Mt. Fuji one, check out 3 Sakura on upper light. You’ll find 二、ホ、and ン (二ホン＝Japan) in each flower.
Oshima Zakura 大島桜
Oshima Zakura is one of the most popular Sakura with sweet fragrance.
Omuro Zakura 御室桜
Omuro Zakura is known as “The latest bloom Sakura in Kyoto.” It is indigenous to Omuro Ninnaji temple and we can find it Ninnnaji, Haradanien garden.
Kitano Zakura 北野桜
Kitano Zakura was true “The latest bloom Sakura in Kyoto” but we cannot enjoy them any longer. The last time we saw her is 2023.
Other late bloom Sakura 他の桜
Some Sakura bloom after mid-April.
Yokihi (Yang Guifei)
Gyoiko.
Thye are popular ones and there are other late bloomers.
Why do we love Sakura?
As described in this post, we detest anything anemic, especially a state of mind. We always an opportunity to come alive anew. For this aim, we carry out many things. For example, one of the reason we put Matsuri in practice. In this kind of Matsuri, we welcome reborn Kami to revitalize our life.
In winter, our body and soul is weak. And when spring comes, we convict that our lives came back to us again and they start again. This conviction is hidden our idea and attitude for spring. Sakura blooms in the end of winter and the begging of spring. I, as a Japanese goat, suppose the season Sakura blooms goes with and affect what we feel about our idea for spring. Actually, the fiscal year of Japan starts on April 1st. Schools and companies start their new year on the day. We have many beautiful spring memories with parents, relatives, friends, and collogues. Some have gone, some remain. Every year, Sakura reminds us of these memories.
Sakura lasts only for a week. We find Sakura is Hakanai (fragile) and it conjures up Shogyo Mujo. Shogyo Mujo is an idea of Buddhism. In a nut shell, it means everything changes without stopping and nothing is invariable and leads to Zen. When Sakura falls off, we remember, without consciousness, everything is variable and understand all we can do is to live the moment.
That’s the reason we love Sakure, I’m sure.
Top 5 places to enjoy Sakura お花見ベスト5
The following is the top 5 paces to enjoy Sakura in Kyoto. I’m sure you already see many guide books or website. In this post, I, as a Kyotoite, will show you the best places to admire Sakura. In Haradanien Garden and Maruyama park, you can enjoy popular Ohanami (Sakura viewing) experience with drinks and food.
#1 Haradanien Garden 原谷苑
Overview 概要
Now we are well prepared for Haradanien. Enjoy the video, BAAH!
Haradanien is a private garden only open to public in spring and autumn. It is not a famous place to enjoy cherry blossom, especially Shidare Zakura. In addition to it, we can enjoy almost all spring flowers in Kyoto.
One of the most popular destination among so-called Kyoto-enthusiasts. DO NOT MISS IT.
It used to be a dump site. I can’t believe it!!!
Schedule of 2024 2024年の日程
- Dates: 3/23～4/25
- Open hours: 9:00～17:00 (Entrance closes at 16:30）
- Entrance Fee: Up to 1,800 JPY (Depends on a day you visit). Cash only.
- Reservation of Bento Available. See the website of Haradanien (In Japanese only).
Shuttle bus シャトルバス日程
- Dates: 3/30～4/14
- Available 9:00～16:00
- Bus departs in front of Torii Gate of Wara Tenjin.
- Passengers are needed to wear face mask.
Shuttle bus is available. Check the post out!
Bentoh (Lunch box) and Wagashi お弁当と和菓子
Even without reservation, we can have lunch, Wagashi, soft drinks, and some alcohol there.
STRONGLY RECOMMENDED: ICHIGO DAIFUKU.
Enjoy the Superb OHanami experience, BAAAH!!!
About Haradanien garden
#2 Kiyomizudera Temple 清水寺
Overview 概要
Kiyomizudera temple is the most famous destination in Kyoto. It shows us one of the most amazing cherry blossoms.
By the 19th century, people carried out Tobiochi Gankeke from the iconic stage. They threw themselves off of the stave in order to make their wishes come true. There used to be many Sakura Trees under the stage and they saved their lives.
Jishu shrine, the Chinsyu Sha (Check out the post on Shinbutsu Shugo) of Kiyojmizudera temple is also a popular place for Sakura.
Jishu shrine is closed by the end of 2024 due to renovation.
Night Illumination ライトアップ
- Dates 3/23/2024～3/31/2024
- Open hours ～21:30
- Entrance fee 400 JPY
Night illumination is also available but this year Somei Yoshihno bloom later than expected. I’m afraid they are not in full bloom by 3/31.
Enjoy them in the video instead.
How to get to Kiyomizudera temple? 清水寺へのアクセス
Train: Keihan Gion shijo/Gojozaka station or Hankyu Kawaramachi station.
Kyoto city bus: Sijo Kawaramachi/Gion bus stop. Gojyozaka and Kiyomizu michi bus stop is not available because they are so crowded.
About Kiyomizudera temple 清水寺基本情報
#3 Ryoanji Temple
Overview 概要
Ryoanji is famous for “The Rock Garden.” We can admire beautiful Shidare Zakura behind the wall of the Karesansui garden supreme. In addition to it, the temple has a large stroll garden with Somei Yoshino.
The Rock Garden is sometimes called Zen garden but it sounds so strange. We call it Karesansui. Check the post out!
I’m a Japanese goat and I’ve never said “Zen garden” in my life.
I prefer this moment.
The Shidare Zakura blooms later than Somei Yoshino, about couples of days.
Behind the wall.
Stroll garden 回遊式庭園
The stroll garden has many Somei Yoshino.
About Royoanji Temple 龍安寺基本情報
How to get to Ryoanji Temple? 龍安寺へのアクセス
About a couple of minutes walk from Ryoanji Mae bus stop.
#4 Maruayma park 円山公園
Overview 概要
Maruyama park is a popular public park in Kyoto. It is located near Yasaka shrine or Kodaiji temple. It has many cherry blossom tress. The most famous one is a huge weeping cherry blossom tree. Besides, there are many Somei Yoshino trees in the park.
The park is located adjacent to Yasaka shrine, one of the oldest Shinto shrine/ Buddhist temple, and near Kiyomizudera temple, Kodaji temple, and other places.
Yasaka shrine used to be a Buddhist Temple called Kanjiin/ Gion sha under Shinbutsu Shugo, the fusion of Shinto and Buddhism. Check the post out.
Night Illumination ライトアップ
- Dates 3/23/2024～4/7/2024
- Hours 18:00～22:00
We can admire the Shidare illuminated with Night Hanami experience. There are many food stands in the park.
How to get to Maruyama park? 円山公園へのアクセス
Train: Keihan Gion shijo station or Hankyu Kawaramachi station.
Kyoto city bus: Sijo Kawaramachi/Gion bus stop.
About Maruyama park 円山公園基本情報
#5 Heian Jingu shrine 平安神宮
Overview 概要
Heian Jingu shrine is a 5/8 replica of Chodoin complex of facilities in the ancient Imperial court.
As described in The Makioka Sisters, we can admire extraordinary beautiful weeping cherry blossoms in Shinen garden. At night, “Shidare Sakura concert” takes place there.
Sakura Otoyo concert 桜音夜コンサート
- Dates 4/3/2024～4/7/2023
- Open hours 18:15～21;00 (Entrance closes at 20:30)
- Need reservation check the Heianjigu website
At night in early April, Shidare Sakura concerts (or recitals) takes place for 3 nights. Shinen garden is illuminated and concert or recital is held around a pond. Each day has 2 concerts/recitals. Once you enter the garden, you can enjoy both of them.
The Shinen garden consists of four gardens and the total area is about 4000 square yard. Most of the cherry blossom trees there are weeping cherry blossom trees. They bloom in the most exquisite way. Night illumination in Heian Jingu shrine is one of the most recommended site to visit.
How to get to Heian Jingu shrine? 平安神宮へのアクセス
Kyoto city bus: Okazaki koen/Bijutsukan Heian Jingu mae bus stop.
